About Jagjivanpur Nandadirghi Vihara Archaeological Site
Jagjivanpur Nandadirghi Vihara is an excavated 9th-century Buddhist monastic complex in Jagjivanpur village, Habibpur block, Malda district, West Bengal. Discovered in 1987 and excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1992-1995, it is identified with the Nandadirghi Vihara mentioned in a copper-plate inscription of Pala ruler Mahendrapala. The site preserves brick-built monastery cells, courtyards, votive stupas and terracotta art displayed in a site museum.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open-air excavated archaeological complex with exposed brick foundations of a large Buddhist vihara, including monastic cells, verandahs, courtyard and remains of votive stupas. The site is in a rural setting surrounded by fields. A small Archaeological Site Museum nearby displays the copper-plate inscription of Mahendrapala, terracotta plaques, stucco figures, pottery, beads and other antiquities recovered during excavation. Information boards explain the layout and history.
Key highlights
- 01
9th-century Pala-period Buddhist monastery identified as Nandadirghi Vihara
- 02
Copper-plate inscription of Pala king Mahendrapala (c. 9th century CE) discovered at the site
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Extensive brick-built monastic complex with cells, courtyard and votive stupas